(AU backstory warnings at the beginning of every chap) One day, Kevin Ryan goes for lunch. Nobody knows where he's gone or why, but when he returns, something is different. Nobody, not his friends, not his partner, not even his wife knows what's going on. Then a murder comes across their desks, and they're thrown into a past nobody knew about, one that should have been left alone.

This story takes the place of the second episode in the fifth season, titled Cloudy With a Chance of Murder. Esposito has still not forgiven Ryan for what he sees was a betrayal and his anger toward his partner only continues to deepen until his anger eventually causes a tragedy among the team. This story is my take on how the rift between the partners should have been repaired.

Esposito's anger is dying under his concern for his partner. Sure he got him suspended, but he knew it was on good intentions. Wile he tries to figure out how to say sorry and to patch up their friendship, Ryan is taken from them. By a criminal who wants nothing more, than the case be forgotten. He threatens Ryan's friends, as they race to find him. Will they get there in time?